📷 Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on UnsplashLofoten end to end, by ferry from Bodø
Cross from Bodø to the far end of Lofoten, then drive the E10 back through fishing villages, white beaches and a Viking longhouse.
- Distance
- approx. 228 km (141 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 08 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Norway
- Tolls and vignettes
- ≈ €5
- Updated
- July 15, 2026
At a glance: 5-day road trip of about 228 km (141 mi) with 8 stops, from Bodø to Svolvær. About 3 h 08 min of driving in total. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €5 (Norway).
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Photos along the route
Route description
The car ferry from Bodø to Moskenes takes about three and a half hours across the Vestfjord, and it is the best way to arrive: the wall of peaks grows slowly on the horizon. Book a place for the car in summer, as it fills up days ahead.
Drive first to Å at the very end of the E10, with its stockfish and fishing village museums, then turn back north to Reine and Hamnøy, where red and white fishermen’s cabins stand on stilts below the mountains. Fit walkers can climb the stone steps of Reinebringen for the classic view.
Cross the bridges to Flakstadøya and take the side road to Nusfjord, one of the best preserved fishing villages in Norway. On Vestvågøy, turn off for Haukland Beach, then visit the Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg.
The E10 continues to Henningsvær, a village built over several islets with a famous football pitch, and Svolvær, the main town of the islands. From here you can return to the mainland via the Lofast road, or take the ferry from Svolvær to Skutvik. Wild camping is increasingly restricted in Lofoten, so use campsites and designated parking areas.
Which stops are on the route from Bodø to Svolvær?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Bodø
Norway - 2112 km
Å
Norway - 39 km
Reine
ViewsReine, NorwayRed fishing cabins below sharp peaks in the Lofoten Islands. Many rorbuer can be rented.
- 420 km
Nusfjord
Norway - 525 km
Haukland Beach
NatureLeknes, NorwayWhite sand and turquoise water under steep peaks on Vestvågøy. The short climb up Mannen next to the beach gives a view over both Haukland and Uttakleiv.
- 614 km
Lofotr Viking Museum
HistoryBorg, NorwayA reconstruction of an 83 m chieftain’s longhouse on the site where the original was excavated, with a Viking ship on the lake below.
- 726 km
Henningsvær
Norway - 822 km
Svolvær
Norway
How do you drive the route from Bodø to Svolvær in 5 days?
5 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Bodø → Å · 112 km · 1 h 33 minOvernight nearby, for example: Moskenes Camping (4 km); Akkarvikodden Teltplass (12 km).
- Day 2: Å → Reine · 9 km · 0 h 08 minOvernight nearby, for example: Moskenes Camping (4 km); Fredvang Strand og Skjærgårdscamping (19 km).
- Day 3: Reine → Nusfjord · 20 km · 0 h 16 minOvernight nearby, for example: Lofoten Beach Camp (8 km); Sjøstrand Rorbuer (9 km).
- Day 4: Nusfjord → Lofotr Viking Museum · 39 km · 0 h 32 minOn the way: Haukland Beach.Overnight nearby, for example: Brustranda Fjordcamping (7 km); Lyngvær Lofoten Bobilcamping (19 km).
- Day 5: Lofotr Viking Museum → Svolvær · 48 km · 0 h 39 minOn the way: Henningsvær.Overnight nearby, for example: Lofoten Feriesenter (2 km); Kabelvåg Feriehus & Camping (5 km).
When is the best time for the route from Bodø to Svolvær?
Cold, short days in November–April. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
What should you know before driving the route from Bodø to Svolvær?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €5 (Norway).
- Norway: Electronic tolls by number plate. Automatic toll roads and toll rings; many routes include car ferries. Motorway limit for cars: 110 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
Practical guides for this route
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Plan this route for your vehicle
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FAQs
How long is Lofoten end to end, by ferry from Bodø?
5-day road trip of about 228 km (141 mi) with 8 stops, from Bodø to Svolvær. About 3 h 08 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Lofoten end to end, by ferry from Bodø?
We suggest 5 days: about 3 h 08 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Lofoten end to end, by ferry from Bodø start and end?
It starts in Bodø and ends in Svolvær.
Which countries does Lofoten end to end, by ferry from Bodø pass through?
Norway.
Where can you camp along Lofoten end to end, by ferry from Bodø?
OpenStreetMap lists 37 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Geitvågen Bad & Camping, Saltstraumen Camping and Moskenes Camping.
How much are the tolls on the route from Bodø to Svolvær?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €5 (Norway). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.
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